Page 54 of Of Curses and Courtship

“You’re a healer,” I shout. “Heal him. Please, heal my friend.”

“I cannot,” she says, each word sharp. “Do you think I haven’t been trying? I was brought here for my expertise in curses, but there is nothing… this one must be undone by the one who cursed this land to begin with. I have told your father, time and time again.

“Stop. No one has seen that sorceress in over a century. For all we know, she’s dead.”

She sighs, as if she’s tired of having these conversations. “The curse would likely be broken if that were the case, but that is beside the point. You have a choice to make.”

“Why? Why, in all the realms, must they take the fae who means the most to me? The one who has comforted me through lonesome nights? Why him? Whyme?”

Her eyes narrow. “It is not just him, Your Highness. Look out there.” Her voice drops. “Do you think the fae out there do not mean something to someone? To this world? Those are only the ones who were captured this week. This curse is spreading, and if I am the only one who takes these matters seriously, it will never come to an end. More will die. Mortals. Fae. Others.”

“No,” I snap. “You’re not the only one who cares. I’ve studied this curse for half of my long life.”

It will never be enough. Not until I break it.

“Then you know how severe it is. You are to be the future ruler of this land, and you will face hard choices such as this one. This is your chance to prove that you deserve the crown. Make a decision.”

I look at my old friend. We’ve traveled through different palaces, spending centuries together. Spark has always been by my side, and he protected me when no one else did. Most of all, he’s always been a warm and companionable presence.

The one who looks at me now is a stranger, but I can’t give up on him. He didn’t give up on me when I was lost in the drink or my studies. When I was reckless with my own life, he was there to ground me. To make me want to keep living.

Spark is my most faithful companion, and I won’t put him in more pain—but I can’t give up on him. Not yet. I’m a magician; there must be something more I can do.

I’ve always worked well under pressure.

“Bring him out of the cage,” I whisper. “Let me try to speak with him, to reach him. Please.”

The healer’s features remain still. She shakes her head, her jaw clenching. “You know I cannot do that. It does not work. We have tried it before.”

“Please—”

“Your Highness.” Her eyes flash dangerously, her irises darkening until they are nothing but the black of the night sky. “I saidno. Do not force me to repeat myself a third time. You may be the prince of this land, but I am in charge of this wing, and I will do what I must to keep every fae here safe. Including you.”

My shoulders slump. “Fine. Do what you must.”

“I am sorry. It is for your safety, Your Highness.”

I wipe a tear from the corner of my eye. “I know. Ishouldn’t have put you in that position. Apologies for asking.”

I meet Spark’s cold gaze. There’s not a glimmer of hope or recognition in them, but he must be in there somewhere. I’ll find him.

“Give me time,” I say. “Allow me to see if there is something I can do. Anything.”

“All right.” She doesn’t seem particularly surprised by the answer. “I will be waiting here, should you make your decision. The longer you wait, the more he fades.”

OPHELIA

“Did you hear?” a maid whispers, younger than the rest, with blonde hair and bright eyes that are usually full of life. Her gaze lacks the sparkle now.

The maids often gossip with me, and sometimes, I welcome it. It’s the look in her eye that makes me wary. There’s no giggle, no conspiratorial glances—just a glum nature about her.

Gossiping with Helena is much more enjoyable than this.

“I can’t say whether or not I’ve heard anything if you refuse to tell me what it is.”

“The prince.”

I haven’t heard from him in days. What should I feel—despair that he could be unwell, or hope that there may be another sort of news… news relating to Minetta?